Indicator Values Research Articles

Reassessing the indicator value of the EPT group in karst rivers under hydromorphological pressure

Abstract Hydromorphological degradation is one of the most common stressors to freshwater ecosystems nowadays. Rivers lose riparian vegetation, habitat heterogeneity, natural flow velocity, etc., due to hydromorphological alterations. We analyzed macroinvertebrate communities in a wide range of hydromorphological conditions – from near natural sites to significantly altered water bodies, focusing on Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera (EPT). Considering that the EPT group is a quite sensitive and generally stenovalent group, we wanted to examine which of the hydromorphological pressures affects them the most. We also wanted to identify indicator taxa for different levels of degradation: minor, moderate, and severe. We collected samples from 84 karst rivers sites in Croatia. We found 52 taxa of EPT (Ephemeroptera – 21, Plecoptera – 11, Trichoptera – 20). Changes in river morphology proved to be the most important stressor affecting the distribution of the EPT group. Hydrological regulation did not show significance toward the EPT community, possibly due to the karst nature of the rivers studied. The most sensitive EPT taxa were those with the greatest preference for macrophytes and lithal habitats. More tolerant EPT taxa were those with a wide range of habitat preferences and/or taxa that feed on particulate organic matter.

Differences of Three Methods in Determining Ozone Sensitivity in Nanjing

In recent years， ozone （O3） has become an increasingly important air pollutant in China. Identifying the sensitivity of O3 to the precursors volatile organic compounds （VOCs） and nitrogen oxides （NOx） can help make effective abatement strategies. This study compared three methods for determining O3-VOCs-NOx sensitivity： simulated photochemical indicator values and sensitivity coefficients derived from a three-dimensional air quality model and an observation-based model （OBM）， with a case study involving an O3 pollution event that occurred in Nanjing in late July 2017. The results showed that O3 sensitivity based on the photochemical indicator and sensitivity coefficients demonstrated similar spatial variations （over 50% of the grid cells of Nanjing exhibiting identical O3 sensitivity）. However， sensitivity coefficients identified a larger number of areas within a transitional O3 sensitivity regime， as opposed to the VOCs- or NOx-limited regime identified by the photochemical indicator. The determination of the latter was affected by the adopted threshold values. The OBM relied on the quality of the observational data. For example， positive biases in observed NO2 could lead to an underestimation of O3 sensitivity to NOx with the OBM. During the high pollution period， the three methods exhibited significant disparities. The photochemical indicator tended to suggest the VOCs-limited condition， whereas the OBM and sensitivity coefficients indicated the NOx-limited or transitional regimes.

Clonal alien plants in the mountains spread upward more extensively and faster than non-clonal

Alien species are colonizing mountain ecosystems and increasing their elevation ranges in response to ongoing climate change and anthropogenic disturbances, posing increasing threats to native species. However, how quickly alien species spread upward and what drives their invasion remains insufficiently understood. Here, using 26,952 occurrence records of 58 alien plant species collected over two centuries in the Czech Republic, we explored the elevation range and invasion speed of each alien species and the underlying factors driving these variables. We collected species traits relevant for invasion (e.g., clonality, flowering time, life span, invasion status, height, mycorrhizal type, native range, naturalized range, monoploid genome size, and Ellenberg-type indicator values for light, temperature, and nitrogen), human-associated factors (e.g., introduction pathways and the sum of economic use types), and minimum residence time. We explored the relationships between these factors and species’ elevation range and invasion speed using phylogenetic regressions. Our results showed that 58 alien species have been expanding upward along mountain elevations in the Czech Republic over the past two centuries. A stronger effect of species’ traits than human-associated factors has been revealed, e.g., clonality was a key trait supporting the invasion of alien species into the mountains, while human-associated factors showed no effect. Our findings highlight that the characteristics associated with rapid reproduction and spread are crucial for alien species’ invasion into montane regions. Identifying key drivers of this process is important for predicting the spatiotemporal dynamics of alien species in high-altitude ecosystems and thus employing apposite measures to reduce the threat to native plant species.

Shannon entropy of performance metrics to choose the best novel hybrid algorithm to predict groundwater level (case study: Tabriz plain, Iran).

Predicting groundwater level (GWL) fluctuations, which act as a reserve water reservoir, particularly in arid and semi-arid climates, is vital in water resources management and planning. Within the scope of current research, a novel hybrid algorithm is proposed for estimating GWL values in the Tabriz plain of Iran by combining the artificial neural network (ANN) algorithm with newly developed nature-inspired Coot and Honey Badger metaheuristic optimization algorithms. Various combinations of meteorological data such as temperature, evaporation, and precipitation, previous GWL values, and the month and year values of the data were used to evaluate the algorithm's success. Furthermore, the Shannon entropy of model performance was assessed according to 44 different statistical indicators, classified into two classes: accuracy and error. Hence, based on the high value of Shannon entropy, the best statistical indicator was selected. The results of the best model and the best scenario were analyzed. Results indicated that value of Shannon entropy is higher for the accuracy class than error class. Also, for accuracy and error class, respectively, Akaike information criterion (AIC) and residual sum of squares (RSS) indexes with the highest entropy value which is equal to 12.72 and 7.3 are the best indicators of both classes, and Legate-McCabe efficiency (LME) and normalized root mean square error-mean (NRMSE-Mean) indexes with the lowest entropy value which is equal to 3.7 and - 8.3 are the worst indicators of both classes. According to the evaluation best indicator results in the testing phase, the AIC indicator value for HBA-ANN, COOT-ANN, and the standalone ANN models is equal to - 344, - 332.8, and - 175.8, respectively. Furthermore, it was revealed that the proposed metaheuristic algorithms significantly improve the performance of the standalone ANN model and offer satisfactory GWL prediction results. Finally, it was concluded that the Honey Badger optimization algorithm showed superior results than the Coot optimization algorithm in GWL prediction.

Reassessing tin circularity and criticality

AbstractTin is an important metal for society with a high risk of supply disruptions. It is, therefore, classified as a critical material in many parts of the world. An exception is the European Union, for which tin was classified as a non‐critical material in 2023. However, there are many discrepancies in the literature regarding the definitions and values of the indicators used to determine tin criticality in general, and recycling indicators in particular. Values for end‐of‐life recycling rate (EoL RR) range between 20% and 75%, and values for end‐of‐life recycling input rate (EoL RIR) range between 11% and 32%. In this paper, we critically assess the circularity and criticality indicator values for tin and calculate new values using material flow analysis. The new values for tin recycling indicators are lower than those used in most previous research, with a global EoL RR of 16% and an EoL RIR of 11% in 2017. Based on the updated recycling values, combined with a highly concentrated supply, high import reliance, and difficult substitution, we argue that the European Union should classify tin as a critical material. This reclassification can lead to more policy attention for tin, which can help reduce the impact of future supply disruptions and increase the resilience of the European and global tin supply chains.

Wearable with integrated piezoelectric energy harvester for geolocation of people with Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's is a progressive disease that affects memory, causing disorientation in the patient, which causes them to lose themselves, generating anguish in families who have to resort to expensive searches. The objective of this research was to implement a device that can remotely provide the location of the Alzheimer's patient over a long period to relatives for greater security. For this, in this research, a mobile application was developed that receives information from a wearable that applies the internet of things using ong-range wide area technology to show the patient's real-time location and uses piezoelectrics for greater battery autonomy. The real-time location of the person and the radius of the safe zone in the application were obtained as results, the received signal strength indicator value where the signal was excellent or good had a value of -30 to -89 dB between 0 to 400 meters and the battery discharge time was 11 hours and 44 minutes. It was concluded that the application is interactive, that the piezoelectric system increased the autonomy of the wearable, and that the long-range wide area (LoRa) technology allowed monitoring of the patient's location with great precision at 400 meters.

Measurement of Health Information Systems Using the McCall Method

In an era of technology that continues to develop rapidly, structured and detailed data management is becoming increasingly important. This allows decision makers at the Clinic to easily monitor, evaluate and plan business strategies. The information system measurement application on Klink Mitra Sadona is used to analyze the quality of the electronic registration information service system for patients. This registration system can help patients make it easier to register at the clinic. Based on this, the quality of the health information system will be measured because in this system the level of system quality is not yet known, so as to identify the accuracy, completeness and quality of the software at the clinic. The measurement method in this research uses the McCall Method. The McCall method is a method used to assess the quality of a system. The results of research based on the McCall Method show that the quality of information system measurements is very good with a percentage value of 94%, with the best indicator value, namely efficiency with a result of 72% and the integrity indicator value is the worst indicator with a result of 52%.

Enhancing understanding of ecological niche and CSR strategies of woody plants in remnant forests: Exploring the impact of surrounding spatiotemporal urban expansion

Developing a deeper understanding of how plants respond to urbanization in urban remnant forests can enhance biodiversity conservation efforts. This study investigated woody plants in 120 sample plots located in 15 remnant patches and explored the impacts of spatiotemporal urban expansion on niche indicators and CSR (Competitive, Stress-tolerant, Ruderal) strategies of woody plants in Guiyang, China. Our analysis revealed that stress-tolerant strategies are the most prevalent across all sample sites. Additionally, road density reduced the light indicator values and abundance of C-strategies in shrub species. It also increased soil nutrition indicator values and the abundance of S-, C- and CS-strategies in adult trees, as well as S- and CR-strategies in shrub species. Moreover, urban expansion intensity decreased the abundance of CS-strategies in tree species and C-strategies in shrubs, but increased CR- and CSR- strategies in shrub species. Compound terrain complexity led to a decrease in soil nutrition and alkalinity indicator values, and S-strategies in shrubs, but an increase in the abundance of C-strategies and the extent of C-selection (%) of shrubs. Furthermore, the percentage of impervious surfaces increased soil humidity indicator values, but decreased most CSR types of woody plants. Leapfrog expansion type facilitates soil nutrition indicator values, while reducing the extent of C-selection (%). These findings indicate that the surrounding spatiotemporal urban expansion exerts pressure on plant niches and strategies within remnant forests, enabling adaptation to disturbances and stresses. Therefore, we strongly advocate for the consideration of managing urban expansion surrounding remnant forests as an essential component of biodiversity conservation efforts.

Resiko Usahatani Kopi di Kabupaten Lampung Barat

The plantation sub-sector plays an essential role in maintaining the stability of food security and as a provider of raw materials for national industry. Coffee plants are a commodity that can grow optimally if cultivated in tropical areas. Lampung Province is one of the largest coffee producers in Indonesia. Production in 2022 will reach 118,043 tons. Most coffee farmers in the region form partnerships with companies by forming farmer groups. This research aims to (1) determine the difference in income between company-partner coffee farming and company-non-partner coffee farming and (2) determine the difference in the risk level of company-partner coffee farming and company-non-partner coffee farming. This research method is a survey method. This method is implemented by direct observation of a research object. This research was carried out in 2022. The location was selected based on West Lampung Regency being the largest coffee-producing area in Lampung. The total respondents were 67 coffee farmers from the Sumberjaya sub-district area. Sumberjaya subdistrict was chosen with consideration because it has coffee farmers who are partners and not partners with companies. The respondents were 49 coffee farmers who partnered with a company (PT. Indocafco) and 18 respondents who did not partner with a company. The research respondents were used as a whole (Arikunto, 2006) based on a population <100 (Nazir, 2014). Research data analysis consists of the coffee farming business income of company partners and non-partner farmers and risk analysis of the coffee farming business of company partners and non-partner farmers. The research results found that the total income of the company's partner coffee farms was greater than that of the company's non-partner coffee farms. Partner and non-partner farming is worth pursuing based on the R/C ratio value indicator >1. The coffee farming business of company partners and non-partners has potential risk with the coefficient of variation (CV) indicator value> 0.5. The coffee farming of company partners and non-partners can be profitable with the lower limit value indicator (L)>0.

Corroboration and contradictions in global biodiversity indicators

Biodiversity indicators measure progress toward global biodiversity goals, including the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework of the UN Convention on Biological Diversity. A suite of indicators is typically needed to capture the complexity of biodiversity. For the suite to be effective, it needs to capture the important aspects of the system, without over-representing some at the expense of others. It is therefore important to identify redundancies and contradictions between indicators within a suite. Comparing indicators derived from independent input data can also serve as a validation of indicator accuracy, or alternatively, identify unexpected behaviour and potential flaws or incompatibilities in data or construction. We examined the relationships between eight widely adopted global biodiversity indicators, all proposed for use in the monitoring framework of the Kunming-Montreal global biodiversity framework. We focused on the relationships between indicators driven by landuse data and those driven by species observations, testing for pairwise and multivariate correlations between indicator values for ecoregions. We used hierarchical clustering to identify spatial patterns in relationships between landuse and species response indicators. We found no strong correlation between landuse and species-response indicators in ecoregions with high landuse. Reasons for disagreement among indicators may include inaccurate, or coarse spatial data and mismatched baselines. We did find strong correlations between indicators sharing input data. We suggest that indicators selected for the Kunming-Montreal framework be systematically reviewed for correlations and recommend that suites of indicators should consider the independence of input data sources to minimise the risk of using correlated or biased measures of conservation progress.

Smoltification, seawater performance, and maturation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) fed different fat levels

IntroductionThe use of recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS) to produce Atlantic salmon smolts has resulted in exceptionally high fish growth rates. However, there are potential negative trade-offs between fast growth and key physiological processes, such as inadequate smoltification and early sexual maturation, which can both be linked to body energy reserves.MethodsThis study determined the effect of i) dietary fat levels on Atlantic salmon whole-body fat and fatty acids composition, growth performance and smoltification and ii) a previous dietary regime on seawater growth performance and male early sexual maturation. In freshwater RAS, salmon parr (~19g) were fed 3 fat levels (20, 24, and 28%) over a 14-week period at 12°C. Subsequently, in seawater flow-through systems, smolt (~96g) were fed a control diet (26%) for 12 weeks at 2 temperatures (12 and 16°C).ResultsDietary fat levels resulted in differences in k-factor, fish whole-body fat and fatty acids composition; the low fat diet resulted in fish with a 23% lower whole-body fat when compared to the other two dietary groups at the end of the freshwater phase. These differences in whole-body fat faded at the end of the seawater phase. During the freshwater phase, all three feeds resulted in a comparable growth performance and smoltification indicator values, including k-factor, gill Na+, K+-ATPase, blood serum chloride and smolt index score. In contrast, water temperature resulted in fish body weight differences, where groups reared at 16°C were larger than those reared at 12°C. Nevertheless, both temperature regimes supported a similar thermal growth coefficient. Smolts grown at 16°C showed a higher level of the sex steroids androstenedione compared to those at 12°C. However, 11-ketotestosterone and testosterone levels did not differ despite a trend for higher levels at 16°C. Furthermore, testis histology at the final sampling indicated that some individuals showed initial signs of maturation (stage 3).DiscussionIn conclusion, varying dietary fat levels (20 - 28%) during the freshwater phase did not influence smoltification or male early sexual maturation during the subsequent grow-out phase. However, a temperature increase from 12 to 16°C resulted in larger fish and appeared to stimulate early male maturation in some fish individuals.

ДИНАМИКА РАЗМНОЖЕНИЯ ПОДВОЕВ ВИНОГРАДА В КУЛЬТУРЕ IN VITRO

In connection with the extension of areas under vineyards, it becomes necessary to use rootstocks, resistant to certain soil and climatic conditions (high content of active lime and salts in the soil, drought). Growth of the assortment of rootstocks available for propagation is one of the most important strategies of domestic nursery farming development, along with the production of improved planting material and better performance of its quality indicators. Today it is important to optimize clonal micro-propagation technology for promising grape rootstocks in order to increase net reproduction while maintaining the genetic identity of planting material. The purpose of the work was to study the dynamics of morphogenesis of grape rootstocks in the system in vitro to optimize the technology of clonal micro-propagation, taking into account the genetic specificity of particular genotypes. The study materials were the in vitro plants of grape rootstocks: Fercal clone 242, Ruggeri 140, and Gravesac (clones 11 and 12). The methods accepted in biotechnology and developed in the Breeding Department of the Institute Magarach were both used in the process of research. Cultivation was carried out on PG medium supplemented with NAA (α-naphthylacetic acid) 0.05 mg/l. The results showed that the dynamics of morphogenesis of rootstocks Ferсal clone 242, Gravesac clone 11 and Gravesac clone 12, analyzed on the basis of net propagation, did not differ significantly by varieties, with the exception of the second passage. The study of morphogenetic potential of Ruggeri 140 rootstock bud made it possible to reveal the dependence of net propagation on the line, it was especially noticeable in the first passage. Separate lines showed high net propagation in the second passage. The average indicator value for all lines was 2.59. In general for all rootstocks, similar results were obtained in successive passages, indicating a tendency for net propagation to be decreased. In order to increase the efficiency of technology, it is necessary to optimize the conditions of cultivation for industrial propagation, taking into account the genetic characteristics of every rootstock.

Leakage of biodiversity risks under the European Union Biodiversity Strategy 2030.

The European Union Biodiversity Strategy 2030 (EUBDS) aims to regain biodiversity through enhanced forest conservation and protection, which may lead to increased timber harvest in non-EU countries. We aimed to identify the potential leakage of biodiversity risks as induced by the EUBDS. We created an indicator framework that allows one to quantify vulnerability of forest biodiversity. The framework is based on 26 biodiversity indicators for which indicator values were publicly available. We weighted single indicator values with countrywise modeled data on changed timber production under EUBDS implementation. Nearly 80% of the indicators pointed to higher vulnerability in the affected non-EU countries. Roundwood production was transferred to countries with, on average, lower governance quality (p=0.0001), political awareness (p=0.548), forest coverage (p=0.034), and biomass (p=0.272) and with less sustainable forest management (p=0.044 and p=0.028). These countries had more natural habitats (p=0.039) and intact forest landscapes (p=0.0001) but higher risk of species extinction (p=0.006) and less protected area (p=0.0001) than the EU countries. Only a few indicators pointed to lower vulnerability and biodiversity risks outside the EU. Safeguards are needed to ensure that implementation of EUBDS does not cause harm to ecosystems elsewhere. The EU regulation on deforestation-free supply chains might have limited effects because the sustainable management of existing and even expanding forests is not well considered. Sustained roundwood production in the EU is needed to avoid placing more pressure on more vulnerable ecosystems elsewhere. Decreasing species and habitat indicator values nevertheless call for global conservation and protection schemes. The EUBDS helped pave the way to the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework. Yet, lower values for the indicators mean governance and biodiversity engagement in non-EU countries suggest that this global framework might not sufficiently prevent leakage of risks to biodiversity. Effective land-use planning is necessary to balance conservation schemes with roundwood production.

Tactics of combined/complex treatment of breast cancer patients with isolated metastatic lesion of supraclavicular or parasternal lymph nodes

The article presents data on 134 breast cancer patients who were diagnosed with lesions of the parasternal, supraclavicular, subclavian and axillary lymph nodes. The effectiveness of surgical or radiation exposure to the supraclavicular/parasternal lymph nodes in their metastatic lesion was analyzed. The survival assessment showed that after 1 year of follow-up, the values of the indicator were almost the same, amounting to 96.3 and 96.4 %, respectively, in groups 1A (surgical treatment) and 1B (radiation therapy). After 3 years, the indicator value was slightly higher in subgroup 1B – 80.4 %, while in group 1A it was 77.8 %, 5-year survival in group 1A was at the level of 33.3 %, in group 1B the indicator value was higher and amounted to 44.6 %, in group 2–78.4 %. At the same time, there were no statistically significant differences in all the terms of the study. We believe that the results of our study are fully consistent with the current trend in the treatment of breast cancer, which can be defined by the phrase ‘the less surgery, the better’. According to our data, surgical removal of metastatically altered supraclavicular and parasternal lymph nodes is inferior to radiation therapy when comparing 5-year overall survival.

INDEKS KEPUASAN MASYARAKAT TERHADAP PELAYANAN PADA PERUSAHAAN DAERAH AIR MINUM (PDAM) KABUPATEN HULU SUNGAI UTARA

The Community Satisfaction Index (IKM) is the result of community satisfaction survey activities in the form of numbers. Numbers are determined on a scale of 1 (one) to 4 (four). The satisfaction index is a representation of the satisfaction scale of several dimensions formed from several indicators or attribute items. The satisfaction level and index is a value given by the public to the services provided by the public service delivery unit. This research was motivated by obstacles in providing facilities, the absence of a waiting room in the circulation service, the lack of manpower, the presence of noise in the reading room area, and the lack of renewal of books. The aim of this research is to find out the level of community satisfaction with services at the North Hulu Sungai Regency Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) and to measure how large the Community Satisfaction Index is with Services at the North Hulu Sungai Regency Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM). The theory used refers to PERMENPAN-RB Number 14 of 2017.
 The method used in this research is descriptive quantitative, with a sample size of 100 respondents. Data collection techniques in this research were by distributing questionnaires, observation, literature study and documentation. The sampling technique used is Probability Sampling. In analyzing the data using the perception value test provisions from the general guidelines for preparing the Community Satisfaction Index.
 The research results show that the index value obtained is 3.003 and the community satisfaction index value after conversion is 75.0075, so the service quality is "C". Based on the research results, it can be concluded that the Community Satisfaction Index at the North Hulu Sungai Regency Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) is said to be not good. Then, it can be seen that the indicator that has the highest SME value is Handling Complaints, Suggestions and Feedback = 3.45 (12.64%) with a conversion value of (3.45 , while the lowest indicator value is the Cost/Tariff Element = 2.66 (9.74%) with a conversion value of (2.66
 Suggestions for the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of North Hulu Sungai Regency, in order to maintain public confidence in services at the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of Hulu Sungai Utara Regency, it is appropriate for the Regional Drinking Water Company (PDAM) of North Hulu Sungai Regency. HSU pays attention to the assessments of visitors who are respondents in this research. Several aspects that must be made a top priority in improving services are adapted to the findings in this research, namely Systems, Mechanisms and Procedures; Completion Time; Fees/Tariffs; Product Specifications Type of Service; Implementing Competence; and Suggestions and Recommendations.

Minor effect of wind exposure and littoral slope on macrophyte characteristics in non-impacted lowland lakes of Poland.

Aquatic vegetation is a reliable indicator of the ecological condition of surface waters. Abundance, composition and spatial structure of aquatic communities are shaped by an array of factors, which include both natural abiotic features of an ecosystem and external influences. We investigated whether the physical features, i.e., wind exposure and slope of the lake basin, have a significant impact on the taxonomic composition and spatial structure of macrophyte communities from non-impacted, highly alkaline, lowland lakes of the European plains (Poland). We further examined whether these features can affect the classification of the ecological status of lakes assessed in accordance with the Water Framework Directive requirements. Morphological, botanical and physicochemical data from 260 transects in 16 non-disturbed lakes of Polish lowlands surveyed in the years 2011-2016 were analysed. For each transect, littoral slope and wind exposure were calculated. Additionally, the total phosphorus concentration was used as a proxy of water trophy. The relationships between environmental variables and macrophyte indices as well as the syntaxonomic composition of aquatic and rush vegetation (dependent variables) were analysed using multidimensional ordination techniques (redundancy analysis, variation partitioning and indicator values), correlation and regression analysis. Among the three analysed environmental factors (littoral slope, wind exposure and water trophy), in almost all cases the latter explained the highest variance in the macrophyte community, while the contribution of the first two was at most moderate, weak or usually statistically insignificant. However, lakes with steeper slopes were more frequently inhabited by stoneworts and had better ecological status than those with a gentle littoral shape. This may be attributed to the links between lake morphometry and rate of eutrophication, with deep lakes supporting more effective dilution of substances. Furthermore, lower light requirements of charophytes than of higher plants and the capacity to growth in unstable sediments facilitate charophyte establishment in deeper and steeper parts of the littoral over higher plants. Our findings suggest that in lowland lakes with relatively small areas, moderate depths and low wind exposure typical of European plains, slopes and weaving do not hamper vegetation development and do not negatively affect the macrophyte assessment of ecological status. In such ecosystems, eutrophication seems to be a more important factor determining aquatic vegetation than physical features.

The influence of management practices on plant diversity: a comparative study of three urban wetlands in an expanding city in eastern China.

Rapid urbanization has drawn some aquatic environments into the urban texture from the outskirts of cities, and the composition and distribution of plant species in urban wetlands along the urban gradient have changed. Understanding the drivers of these changes will help in the conservation and utilization of urban wetlands. This study investigated the differences in plant diversity and associated influencing factors in three wetlands, Xixi wetland, Tongjian Lake wetland, and Qingshan Lake wetland, which are located in a core area, fringe area, and suburban area of Hangzhou City, respectively. The results showed that a total of 104 families, 254 genera, and 336 species of plants were recorded in the Xixi wetland; 179 species, 150 genera, and 74 families were found in the Qingshan Lake wetland; and 112 species, 96 genera, and 57 families were collected in the Tongjian Lake wetland. The main plant species and flora distribution of the three urban wetlands showed similarities. Indigenous spontaneous vegetation was highest in the Xixi wetland, while cultivated plant species were most abundant in the Tongjian Lake wetland. The introduction of cultivated plants decreased the distance attenuation effect of plant communities, which led to a certain degree of plant diversity convergence among the three wetlands. Eight endangered plants were preserved in the Xixi wetland by planting them in suitable habitats. Ellenberg's indicator values showed that the proportion of heliophilous plants was higher in the Qingshan Lake wetland, while the proportion of thermophilous plants and nitrogen-loving plants in the Tongjian Lake wetland was higher than in the other two wetlands. The importance of artificial interference factors affecting the differences in plant diversity was significantly higher than that of natural environmental factors in urban wetlands. The preservation of spontaneous plants and the introduction of cultivated plants had an importance of 25.73% and 25.38%, respectively. These were the main factors influencing the plant diversity of urban wetlands. The management mode that did not interfere with spontaneous vegetation and confined maintenance to cultivated plants in the Xixi wetland was beneficial for improving wetland plant diversity. Scientific plant reintroduction can also improve wetland plant diversity.

Using time-series chest radiographs and laboratory data by machine learning for identifying pulmonary infection and colonization of Acinetobacter baumannii

BackgroundAccurately distinguishing between pulmonary infection and colonization in patients with Acinetobacter baumannii is of utmost importance to optimize treatment and prevent antibiotic abuse or inadequate therapy. An efficient automated sorting tool could prompt individualized interventions and enhance overall patient outcomes. This study aims to develop a robust machine learning classification model using a combination of time-series chest radiographs and laboratory data to accurately classify pulmonary status caused by Acinetobacter baumannii.MethodsWe proposed nested logistic regression models based on different time-series data to automatically classify the pulmonary status of patients with Acinetobacter baumannii. Advanced features were extracted from the time-series data of hospitalized patients, encompassing dynamic pneumonia indicators observed on chest radiographs and laboratory indicator values recorded at three specific time points.ResultsData of 152 patients with Acinetobacter baumannii cultured from sputum or alveolar lavage fluid were retrospectively analyzed. Our model with multiple time-series data demonstrated a higher performance of AUC (0.850, with a 95% confidence interval of [0.638–0.873]), an accuracy of 0.761, a sensitivity of 0.833. The model, which only incorporated a single time point feature, achieved an AUC of 0.741. The influential model variables included difference in the chest radiograph pneumonia score.ConclusionDynamic assessment of time-series chest radiographs and laboratory data using machine learning allowed for accurate classification of colonization and infection with Acinetobacter baumannii. This demonstrates the potential to help clinicians provide individualized treatment through early detection.

ELASTIC AND STRENGTH PARAMETERS DETERMINATION OF POLYMER COMPOSITE MATERIALS AND CYLINDRICAL SHELLS

The article presents a method for layout optimization in polymer composite materials that allows to assess their strength. In order to assess the stress-strain state of each layer, an orthotropic elasticity model is used assuming that the fibers in the material are parallel. The behavior model of polymer composite materials is based on the Hashin criterion, which makes it possible to separate the destruction mechanisms of matrix and fiber. The strength assessment was carried out in accordance with the structural approach involving studying the strength of each layer separately. The parameters of the deformation model and the Hashin strength criterion were determined based on the results of testing. Tests were carried out on unidirectional polymer composite materials samples cut at angles of 0, 90 and 45° to the direction of reinforcement. The verification was based on the results of bending tests of polymer composite materials samples. Verification showed high proximity between the calculation results and the experimental data. A method for selecting the layout angles of each layer of polymer composite materials has been developed making it possible to calculate the greatest strength of the cylindrical shell under various external loads. The method involves determining the stresses in each of the polymer composite materials layers, as well as Hashin indicators corresponding to the destruction of the fiber or matrix under tension or compression. Based on the indicator values, the optimal angle and layout pattern can be selected, providing the greatest margin of safety for the shell. This method allows for a preliminary assessment of the safety factor of cylindrical shells made of polymer composite materials based on the experimentally determined elastic parameters of the material and the parameters of the Hashin strength criterion. The method takes into account the angle and layout of the prepreg under the influence of internal pressure, axial compressive force and torque.

ВИТРАТИ НА ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ І РОЗРОБКИ ТА РЕЙТИНГ УКРАЇНИ В ГЛОБАЛЬНОМУ ІНДЕКСІ ІННОВАЦІЙІ

The purpose of this article is to assess trends in changes in research and development (R&D) expenditures, analyse Ukraine's ranking in the Global Innovation Index (GII), and identify key problems influencing these changes. The research employs methods such as structural analysis, averages, comparison, generalisation, analysis and synthesis, and graphical methods. The article examines trends in R&D expenditures as a percentage of GDP, compares Ukraine's indicator values with those of other countries worldwide and in Europe, identifies trends in the number and structure of employees and organisations involved in R&D activities, and evaluates the volume and structure of R&D expenditures by sector and type of work. Negative dynamics are identified across all indicators, accompanied by processes such as the devaluation of the scientist's role, brain drain abroad, reduction in R&D spending, and decreased engagement and interest of organisations implementing R&D, leading to a reduction in scientific research, products, and innovations across various sectors of the economy, and a decrease in the volume of new knowledge. Ukraine's ranking in the Global Innovation Index and its sub-indices are comprehensively assessed, revealing Ukraine's strengths and weaknesses in these rankings. The period of Ukraine's rise in the GII from 2013 to 2018 and the subsequent decline in ranking positions from 2019 to 2022 have been identified. Despite the full-scale war in 2023, Ukraine strengthened its ranking by 2 positions, securing 55th place. It is established that despite negative factors (funding levels, declining innovation and research activity, devaluation of the scientist's role, brain drain abroad, etc.), Ukraine has significant human potential to ensure the country's economic development.